Despite the norms of privacy that pervade teacher culture and the assumptions of behind-closed-doors independence, teachers actually "need" their colleagues, whether they like it--and them--or not. Teachers are inherently dependent on one another since no one of them alone constitutes their students' education. Students move from teacher to…

A group consisting of department coordinators, the director of the library media center, the chairperson of the guidance department, a building administrator, and members of the teaching staff work with a carefully selected group of career-oriented seniors on an independent study program. (Author/IRT)

The Program: Learning According to Needs (PLAN) arose from a Title VII project to help Hispanics succeed in college. Many innercity minority students believe that they have no control over their lives and are powerless to shape the future. PLAN participants are given role models and a realistic picture of college life. Includes nine references.…

A Chicago inner-city high school that attempted "top-down" innovations without true teacher participation finds that little has changed, according to a teacher who has been case historian. (Author)

Those who indiscriminately advise all teens to pursue baccalaureate degrees mistakenly assume that most high school graduates are ready for college-level work, will graduate, will find better jobs, and won't be harmed if they fail. Postsecondary education at the certificate or associate's degree level can lead to rewarding, high-wage occupations…